MECABLITZ 45 CL-1 NIMH - Photography Lighting METZ - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL MECABLITZ 45 CL-1 NIMH METZ

MECABLITZ 45 CL-1 NiMH

Bedienungsanleitung

Gebruiksaanwijzing

Manuale istruzioni

Mode d'emploi

Operating instruction

aarboven 15^

30^

45^

60^

75^

90^

Points worth knowing. 33

1. Safety instructions. 34
2. Preparing the flashgun for use. 35
   2.1 Attaching the flashgun to a camera. 35
   2.2 Power supply 35
   2.3 Battery replacement 35
   2.3.1 Exchanging the batteries 35
   2.3.2 Operation with the NiMH battery pack 35
   2.3.3 Operation with the NC battery pack 36
   2.4 Switching the flashgun on and off 37
3. Automatic flash mode 37
4. Manual flash mode 37
5. Bounced flash 38
   5.1 Bounced flash in automatic and TTL flash modes 38
   5.2 Bounced flash in manual flash mode 38
6. Fill-in flash in daylight. 38
   6.1 Fill-in flash in automatic mode 38
7. Auto-check display 39
8. Illumination and wide-angle diffuser 39
9. Exposure corrections 39
   9.1 Exposure correction in automatic flash mode 39
10. Care and maintenance 40
11. Technical data. 40
12. Optional accessories 41

Points worth knowing

Congratulations on purchasing this METZ flashgun, and thank you for your confidence in METZ equipment.

It is only natural that you should want to use your flashgun straight away. However, it will be well worth your while to study these Operating Instructions carefully beforehand to ensure that you can operate the flashgun effectively and without any problems.

Please also oppen the back cover page with the illustrations.

This flashgun can be used with:

• All cameras with a hot shoe in conjunction with the synch cable 45-54 (optional accessory)
• All cameras with synch connection in conjunction with the supplied synch cable
• System cameras

Brief survey of the operating functions:

Configuration Operating modes possible

• 45 CL-1 with synch cable: Automatic flash mode, Ch. 3, page 37
  Manual flash mode, Ch. 4, page 37

The mecablitz 45 CL-1 is a powerful flashgun based on the most modern technology.

Outstanding features:

• Universal, swivelling quadrolight reflector for bounced flash without having to forgo the benefits of automatic exposure control.
• Wide-angle diffuser.
• Automatic exposure control with a selection of 5 working apertures to easily resolve the problems associated with depth-of-field and to offer greater creative scope regarding camera settings.
• Power-saving thyristor light output control, particularly in the close-up range, for shorter recycle times and a higher number of flashes from just one

battery charge.

• Correct exposure confirmation (auto check).
• Convenient calculator dial for all settings.
• Manual mode.

1. Safety instructions

• The flash unit is exclusively intended and approved for photographic use!
• Never fire a flash in the vicinity of flammable gases or liquids (petrol, solvents, etc.) - DANGER OF EXPLOSION!
• Never take flash shots of car, bus or train drivers, or of motorcycle and bicycle riders, whilst they are travelling. They could be blinded by the light and cause an accident!
• Never fire a flash in the immediate vicinity of the eyes! Flash fired directly in front of the eyes of a person or animal can damage the retina and lead to severe visual disorders - even blindness!
• Only use the approved power sources listed in the Operating Instructions!
• Do not expose batteries to excessive heat, sunshine, fire and the like!
• Never throw exhausted batteries on to a fire!
• Exhausted batteries should be immediately removed from the flash unit! Lye leaking out of spent batteries will damage the unit.
• Never recharge dry-cell batteries!
• Do not expose the flash unit or battery charger to dripping or splashing water!
• Protect the flash unit from excessive heat and humidity! Do not store the flash unit in the glove compartment of a car!

• Never place material that is impervious to light in front of, or directly on, the reflector screen. The reflector screen must be perfectly clean when a flash is fired. The high energy of the flash light will burn the material or damage the reflector screen if this is not observed.

• Do not touch the reflector screen after a series of flash shots. Danger of burns!

• Never disassemble the flashgun! DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE!
• There are no components inside the flashgun that can be repaired by a layperson.
• The adapters for the various types of mains outlet socket may be inserted into the outlet socket only together with the battery charger! Never insert an adapter into an outlet socket on its own!
• The battery pack 45-56 may be charged only with the Metz battery charger 970! The use of unsuitable battery chargers can destroy the batteries and may result in fire or explosions!
• Do not short-circuit the contacts of the battery charger or the battery pack!
• The battery charger and the battery pack become warm during the charging operation and you should therefore ensure that they are suitably ventilated!
• Disconnect the battery charger from the mains voltage when it is not in use!
• Do not use defective battery chargers or batteries! They may be repaired only by an authorised customer-service centre! Do not attempt to open the battery charger or the battery pack!
• We accept no liability for malfunctions and damage to the battery charger or the battery pack which result from the use of accessories made by other manufacturers!
• Always switch off the flashgun before inserting or removing the battery pack!
• Keep the battery charger and the battery pack out of the reach of children!

2. Preparing the flashgun for use

2.1 Attaching the flashgun to a camera

The macabitz must always be connected to the X contact on the camera or the synchronization selector must be set to X.

Always switch off the camera and the flashgun before mounting or removing the flashgun.

Mounting the flashgun:

• Fasten the camera bracket with the bracket screw to the camera's tripod bush. For medium- and large-format cameras we recommend the use of the 70-35 bracket (optional accessory).
• Insert the camera bracket into the rapid-action catch of the holder block until it is audibly engaged.
• Secure the camera bracket with the locking screw.
• Connect the synch cable to the flashgun and camera.

2.2 Power supply

The flash unit can be operated with:

• Metz NiMh battery pack 45-56, or
• Metz NC battery pack 45-40 (optional extra), or
• 6 alkaline manganese batteries IEC LR 6 (AA-type) in the battery holder 45-39 (optional extra), or
• Power Pack P 50 / P76 (optional extra)

Do not use lithium cells! Their higher voltage would damage the flash unit's electronic system. Only use the permitted power sources (see above). Warranty claims for faults and damage to the flash unit arenot accepted if they were caused by the use of accessories from other manufacturers.

2.3 Battery replacement

Press the two locking keys of the battery housing, and pull out of the flashgun (fig. 4a). To return the battery housing press the two locking keys together

and press into the handle-mount grip of the flashlight until it audibly engages.

2.3.1 Exchanging the batteries

Press together the smooth locking keys of the dismantled battery housing (only with BAT-version, otherwise optional extra) and remove the lid (fig. 4b). Insert new batteries in conformity with the polarity symbols indicated in the base of the housing. Return the lid and lock in again.

Spent batteries must not be thrown into the domestic waste! Help keep the environment clean and discard spent batteries at corresponding collecting points!

The battery housing must not be fitted with NiCad/NiMH batteries! The contacts of the battery housing are only intended for alkaline manganese batteries.

The lower resistance of NiCad/NiMH batteries means that more current can flow, and this can damage the flashgun. The Battery Pack has special contacts which do not allow the flow of high currents.

2.3.2 Operation with the NiMH battery pack 45-56

Battery notes

• The battery pack must be charged before it is used for the first time.
• The battery pack reaches its maximum capacity only after several charge/discharge cycles.
• Avoid deep-discharging of the battery pack. Never attempt to fully discharge the battery pack (with a lamp or similar load). Deep-discharging may destroy the battery pack.
• Rechargeable batteries discharge themselves gradually even if they are not used. The self-discharge rate increases at higher ambient temperatures. We therefore recommend that you store the battery pack at a temperature of 2^ to 8^ (e.g. in a refrigerator).
• Keep the battery pack charged and recharge it at suitable intervals.
• Protect the battery pack against frost and heat!

Connecting the charger to the mains

The charger is supplied complete with interchangeable adapters for different mains sockets (Fig. 6a). To change the adapter, disconnect the charger from the mains socket, release the currently installed adapter by pressing the key ① and at the same time pull off the adapter y (Fig. 6b).

With no adapter fitted, the battery charger can be connected to a mains socket with the aid of a mains cable (not included) which is inserted into the integrated mains connection socket (Fig. 6c).

Charging the batteries

The NiMH battery pack 45-56 can be charged either in the flashgun or separately.

Warning: The flashgun must NOT be switched on while the battery is being charged within the flashgun!

The battery pack is exhausted if the recharging time after a full-power flash (e.g. in manual flash mode M) exceeds about 60 seconds.

The charging operation is monitored by a microcontroller in the battery charger. When the battery pack is fully charged, the charging operation is terminated automatically and the battery charger switches to trickle-charge mode.

You can leave the battery pack connected to the charger in order to ensure continuous readiness. However, if you do not intend to use the battery pack for a long period, you should disconnect it from the charger.

For safety reasons, the temperature of the battery pack is monitored during charging and the charging time is also limited by a timer. The charging time is about 2.5 hours for a fully discharged battery pack and correspondingly shorter for a partially discharged battery pack.

• Connect the battery charger 970 to a mains outlet socket and to the battery pack (the connector for the charger is on the bottom of the pack). The charging operation starts automatically. The status of the

battery charger is indicated by a two-colour LED.

LED lights with red light: the battery pack is being charged.
LED lights with green light: the battery pack has been fully charged and the charger has switched to trickle-charge mode..

To identify an exhausted battery: Push the knurled slide in the battery lid to the black mark.

To identify a charged battery: Push the knurled slide in the battery lid to the white mark.

2.3.3 Operation with the NC battery pack (optional)

The NiCad battery should be charged for 5 hours before it is used for the first time. The NiCad battery can be charged within the flashgun or externally.

Warning: The flashgun must NOT be switched on while the battery is being charged within the flashgun!

The NiCad battery is discharged if the recycle time after a flash exceeds 60 seconds.

Adjust the correct mains voltage on the charger prior to charging. The voltage selector (fig. 5a) is located next to the plug and can be adjusted with a small screwdriver.

The connection for the charger (fig. 5b) is in the base of the NiCad battery. The adjoining pilot lamp lights up while charging is in progress.

The charging time for a completely exhausted NiCad battery is 5 hours. A partly discharged NiCad battery requires a correspondingly diminished charging time.

To identify an exhausted battery: Push the knurled slide in the battery lid to the black mark.

To identify a charged battery: Push the knurled slide in the battery lid to the white mark.

2.4 Switching the flashlight on and off

The flashgun is switched on with the main switch ⑧ (fig. 2). The flashgun is permanently switched on when the switch is pushed to the top position, and the operating light shines. Push the main switch to the bottom position to switch off the flashgun.

3. Automatik Flash Mode

In the automatic flash mode the photosensor measures the light reflected from the subject. The flash is cut off as soon as sufficient light has been emitted for correct exposure.

In this manner there is no need to calculate and set a new aperture when the distance is changed, provided that the subject remains within the indicated automatic flash range.

The photosensor of the flashgun must be directed at the subject, regardless of the direction at which the main reflector is pointing. The photosensor has a measuring angle of approx. 25^ , and it only measures the actual amount of light emitted by the flashgun.

Six working apertures are available in the automatic flash mode.

Adjusting procedure for the automatic flash mode:

Example:

Flash-to-subject distance: 5m

Film speed: ISO 100/21°

• Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Switch on the flashgun with the main switch (fig. 2).
• Turn the adjusting knob for film speed (2) (fig. 3) until the marker is positioned opposite the ISO film speed.

Under due consideration of the maximum flash range, a distance of 5m permits selection of the auto apertures f/8, f/5.6, f/4 and f/2.8.

• Set the selector dial to one of the auto apertures. The frame for preselection (1) (fig. 3) assigns the adjusted f-stop with the corresponding maximum flash range on the distance scale. The minimum flash-to-subject distance is approx. 10% of the maximum flash range.

• Adjust the same aperture on the flashgun and the camera.

To achieve the shortest possible depth-of-field (as required in portraiture) we recommend an aperture of f/2.8. For group shots where there can be several rows of people behind each other, we recommend an aperture of f/8.
- Wait for flash readiness - the green LED lights up.

The subject should be within the middle third of the distance range. This gives the electronic control sufficient scope for compensation should this be necessary.

There is a certain measure of overlap between the individual automatic apertures. As a result of this overlap it is always possible to place the subject within the middle third of the range.

CAUTION with zoom lenses!

Due to their design they can cause a loss of light in the order of up to one f-stop. Furthermore, the effective aperture can also vary, depending upon the adjusted focal length. This must be compensated by manually correcting the aperture setting on the flashgun!

4. Manual Flash Mode

In this mode the flashgun will emit its full power. The flashgun can be adapted to the actual picture shooting situation by setting the corresponding aperture on the camera.

If the displayed value does not coincide with the actual distance, then the aperture and/or partial light output level have to be changed accordingly.

The decisive points for partial light output are:

The distance to the subject
The required aperture
The ISO film speed

Adjusting procedure for the manual flash mode:

Example:

Flash-to-subject distance: 5m

Film speed: ISO 100/21°

• Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer's operating instructions.
• Switch on the flashgun with the main switch (fig. 2).
• Turn the adjusting knob for film speed (2) (fig. 3) until the marker is positioned opposite the ISO film speed.
• Set the selector dial (fig. 3) to M.

The aperture to be adjusted is indicated on the scale above the given flash-to-subject distance.

At a flash-to-subject distance of 5m (as in our example), an aperture of f/8 has to be set on the camera.

The adjusted aperture must be corrected when the wide-angle diffuser is used.

5. Bounced Flash

Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognizable by their harsh, dense shadows. This is often associated with a sharp drop of light from the foreground to the background.

This phenomenon can be avoided with bounced flash because the diffused light will produce a soft and uniform rendition of both the subject and the background. For this purpose the main reflector is turned in such a manner that the flash is bounced back from a suitable reflective surface (e.g. ceiling or walls of a room).

For this reason the main reflector can be turned vertically and horizontally. The following are the vertical lock-in positions for bounced flash:

• 15^ , 30^ , 45^ , 60^ , 75^ and 90^ (simply tilt the reflector to the required angle)

The head can be swivelled horizontally to the left and right by 180^ , and locks into position at 90^ and 180^ .

When swivelling the reflector vertically, it is essential to ensure that it is turned by a sufficiently wide angle so that direct light can no longer fall on the subject. Therefore, always tilt the reflector to at least the 60^ lock-in position.

The diffused light bounced back from the reflective surfaces results in a soft illumination of the subject.

The reflecting surface must be white or a neutral colour, and it must not be structured (e.g. wooden beams in the ceiling) as this could cast shadows. For colour effects just select reflective surfaces in the required colour.

Use of the secondary reflector is advantageous to avoid disturbing dense shadows with bounced flash, for instance under the eyes and nose of portraits.

5.1 Bounced flash in automatic flash mode

It is advisable to check prior to the actual exposure whether the light is sufficient for the selected aperture. Please refer to Ch. 7, for the corresponding procedure.

5.2 Bounced flash in manual flash mode

The required camera aperture in the manual flash mode is best established with an exposure meter. Observe the following rule of thumb if an exposure meter is not available

$$ \text {C a m e r a} = \frac {\text {g u i d e n u m b e r}}{\text {l i g h t d i s t a n c e} \times 2} $$

to establish the guide value for the aperture that can then be varied by +1 f-stop for the actual exposure.

6. Fill-in Flash in Daylight

The mecablitz can also be used for fill-in flash in daylight to soften harsh shadows and lower the contrast, thereby producing a more balanced exposure when shooting against the light. Various possibilities are open to the user for this purpose.

6.1 Fill-in flash in automatic mode

Use the camera, or a hand-held exposure meter, to establish the required aperture and shutter speed for a normal exposure. Ensure that the shutter speed either equals, or is slower than, the fastest flash synch speed (varies with the given camera model).

Example:

Established aperture = f / 8 ; established shutter speed = 1 / 60 sec. Flash synch speed of the camera, e.g. 1/100 sec. (see operating instructions for the given camera).

The two established values for aperture and shutter speed can be set on the camera because the camera's shutter speed is slower than the camera's flash synch speed.

To maintain a balanced range of highlights, for instance in order to retain the character of the shadows, it is advisable to select the automatic aperture on the flashgun one setting lower than the aperture adjusted on the camera. In the above example the camera was adjusted to f/8. Consequently, we advise you to set an aperture of f/5.6 on the flashgun.

When shooting into the light, ensure that the backlight does not shine directly onto the sensor as this will confuse the flashgun's electronics!

7. Auto-Check Display

The auto-check signal o.k. lights up only when the frame will be, or was, correctly exposed in auto mode.

In this manner it is possible to manually fire a test flash while in auto mode so that the correct aperture can be established beforehand. This is particularly valuable with bounced (indirect) flash when reflection conditions are difficult to judge.

The test flash is triggered with the manual firing button ⑥ (fig. 2).

If the auto-check display o.k. remains dark after a test flash, then adjust the next wider aperture, or diminish the distance to the reflection surface of the subject, and then repeat the test flash.

The f-stop established in this manner must also be set on the camera.

Hold the camera and the flashgun with photosensor in the same manner as for the actual shot.

8. Illumination and Wide-Angle Diffuser

The wide-angle diffusor widens the horizontal lighting angle from 62^ to 65^ , and the vertical lighting angle from 42^ to 60^ .

The wide-angle diffusor is intended for use with focal lengths of less than 28 mm

(for 24 × 36 ~mm ), and less than 70 ~mm (for 6 × 6 ~cm ).

Mounting:

Slip the wide angel diffusor on the reflector and allow the two lateral catches to engage into the reflector slots.

For removal, slightly lift the diffusor laterally and pull it off toward the front.

When the wide angle diffusor is used, there is a loss in light of one stop value. The guide number and maximum range for computer operating are then reduced to about 70% of the value for use of flash without wide angle diffusor. With the wide angle diffusor used in the auto mode, the mark ^ on the aperture calculator dial indicates the maximum operating range. For aperture settings, there is the mark ^ .

Shadows on the lower pictures edge are noticeable for exposure with short distance due to parallax between the camera lens and flash unit reflector. This can be rectified by use of the wide angle diffusor or bracket adapter 60-28.

9. Exposure Corrections

The automatic exposure systems are based on a subject reflection factor of 25% , this being the average reflection factor for subjects shot with flash.

Dark backgrounds absorb a lot of light, while bright backgrounds reflect a great deal of light (e.g. backlit scenes), thereby resulting in subject overexposure or underexposure, respectively.

9.1 Exposure correction in automatic flash mode

To compensate the above mentioned effect, the exposure can be corrected by opening or stopping down the camera's aperture. With a bright background

the sensor of the flashgun cuts out the flash too soon with the result that the actual subject is too dark. With a dark background the flash is cut out too late so that the actual subject is too bright.

Bright background:

Open the camera aperture by 1/2 to 1 f-stop

(e.g. from f/5.6 to /4

Dark background:

Close the aperture by 1/2 to 1 f-stop

(e.g. from 8 to 11 ).

10. Care and Maintenance

Remove dust and grime with a soft dry cloth, or a silicon-treated cloth. Do not use detergents as these may damage the plastic parts.

Forming the flash capacitor

The flash capacitor incorporated in the flashgun undergoes a physical change when the flashgun is not switched on for prolonged periods. For this reason it is necessary to switch on the flashgun for approx. 10 minutes every 3 months. The battery must supply sufficient power to light up the flash-ready light within one minute after the flashgun was switched on.

11. Technical Data

Guide numbers at ISO 100/21°:

For meter systems: 45; for feet systems: 148

5 auto working apertures at ISO 100/21°:

f/2.8-f/4-f/5.6-f/8-f/11

Flash durations:

• approx. 1/300...1/20000 second
  In M mode approx. 1/300 second at full light output

Photosensor measuring angle: approx. 25^

Colour temperature: approx. 5600 K

Film speed: ISO 25 to ISO 1000

Synchronization: Low-voltage thyristor ignition

Number of flashes:

50^ NiCad battery.
130 NiMH battery.
100^ with alkaline-manganese batteries.
140^ with high-capacity alkaline-manganese batteries.

(*with full light output)

Recycling time:

7 sec. (in M mode)...0.3 with NiMH/NiCad battery
13 sec. (in M mode)...0.3 sec. with alkaline-manganese batteries
11 sec. (in M mode)...0.3 sec. with high-capacity almn batteries
5 sec. (N 22)/18 sec. (N 23)...0.3 sec.

Swivelling range and locking positions of zoom reflector:

Upwards: 15^ 30^ 45^ 60^ 75^ 90^

Anti-clockwise 90^ 180^

Clockwise 90^ 180^

Dimensions (w× h× d) ,approx.

Flashgun 92 × 247 × 102 ~mm

Weight:

Flashgun without power sources: approx. 570 g

Table 1: Guide numbers at maximum light output (Page 65)

Included:

Flashgun, camera bracket, synch cable 45-47, wide-angle diffuser 45-41, Battery charger 970, 4 interchangeable adapters for mains outlet sockets (Europe, USA, Great Britain, Australia), NiMH battery pack 45-56, operating instructions.

12. Optional Accessories

Malfunctions and damage caused to the mecablitz due to the use of accessories from other manufacturers are not covered by our guarantee!

Battery holder 45-39

For alkaline manganese batteries.

• Battery charger set B 45 (Order No: 0012045)

NiCad battery and charger for subsequent conversion of the 45 CL-1 Battery model to NiCad battery operation.

• Bounce diffuser 60-33 (Order No: 0006033)

To soften heavy shadows with reflected light.

• Bracket adapter 60-28 (Order No: 0006028)

For parallax correction of reflector and camera with close-ups and wide-angle shots.

• Camera bracket 70-35 (Order No: 0007035)

To attach the flashgun to the side of the camera.

• Camera cable release 45-26 (Order No: 0004526)

The camera shutter can be tripped with the same hand that is holding the flashgun. This frees the other hand for focusing.

Filter set 45-32 (Order No: 0004532)

Consists of a set of 4 colour effects filters and 1 clear filter to hold any coloured foil.

Light reducing filter set 45-28 (Order No: 0004528

Consists of three neutral density filters, and a transparent filter holder for coloured foils.

• Mecalux 11 (Order No: 0000011)

Slave triggering unit. For optical, delay-free remote triggering of slave flashguns by a camera-triggered flash. Responds also to infrared light beam. Does not require batteries.

• Mecalux Holder 60-26 (Order No: 0006026)

To mount the Mecalux 11.

• NiCad battery pack 45-40 (Order No: 0004540)
  Power Pack P 76 (Order No: 000129768)

For a high number of flashes and short recycling times (approx. 400 full-power flashes)

• Shoulder strap 50-31 (Order No: 0005031)
  Synch leads:

Coiled synch lead 45-49 (Order No: 0004549)

Coiled synch lead 45-54 for hot shoe (Order No: 0004554)

Synch lead 45-48, 1 m (Order No: 0004548)

Synch extension lead 60-54 (5 m) (Order No: 0006054)

Disposal of batteries

Do not dispose of spent batteries with domestic rubbish.

Please return spent batteries to collecting points should they exist in your country!

Please return only fully discharged batteries.

Normally, batteries are fully discharged if:

• the device they powered switches itself off and indicates "Spent Batteries".
• they no longer function properly after prolonged use.

To ensure short-circuit safety please cover the battery poles with adhesive tape.

#

Dimensioni appross. in mm (LxHxP)

Torcia flash 92 × 247 × 102

Peso

Fig. 4b: Opening the battery housing (optional extra)

Fig. 5b: Charging the battery

Your Metz product was developed and manufactured with high-quality materials and components which can be recycled and/or re-used.

This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal garbage at the end of its operational lifetime.

Please dispose of this product by bringing it to your local collection point or recycling centre for such equipment.

This will help to protect the environment in which we all live.

①

Consumer electronics

Photoelectronics

Plastics technology

Industrial electronics

Metz. Always first class.

C

703 47 0130.A4

D F NL GB I E